Chain eatery won't renew lease in spring after 10 years here

Cosi Restaurant, which has been a fixture at the high-traffic corner of Lake and Marion in Oak Park for a decade, is closing next spring.

Shaker Management, which owns the property at 1101 Lake, announced the closing in a press release last week. Cosi recently informed Shaker that the chain didn't want to renew the lease after it expires March 31.

"It was a difficult decision," William Koziel, chief financial officer of Cosi, said in the press release. "Oak Park is a vibrant community, and we have enjoyed meeting and serving our many loyal guests these past 10 years."

The Deerfield, Ill.-based company has been around since 1996 and has more than 100 locations in 16 states, according to its website.

In the press release, property owner Anthony Shaker called the eatery an "anchor" to downtown Oak Park and said their landlord-tenant relationship has been "outstanding."

Shaker said several other food establishments have expressed interest in the space, though he isn't specifically focusing on a restaurant to take Cosi's place. He hopes to have a new tenant lined up by the time the business closes.

We need stores for shopping so people come out and walk and shop more.That Cosi had really bad service, glad it's out.Need more stores people can afford, not "high end" clothing that cost $200 for one shirt!

Mary Chase

Posted: November 16th, 2010 11:07 AM

Just hope it's not another phone store or bank, why not do something original for once? It's really discouraging to see all these businesses close or move to Forest Park. Camille et Famille was one of my favorites.

sally forth from oak park

Posted: November 16th, 2010 9:46 AM

I'll agree that I found Cosi a less than desireable option for my food dollar. Frankly, I think something along the lines of a micro-brewery would be a nice addition to Lake Street.

this town is crazy from anywhere but oak park

Posted: November 15th, 2010 12:03 PM

yep, definitely something shaker did, in fact he has every intention of pushing any business he can out of town. In fact, I saw him helping the movers load barbara's stuff into their trucks. Please, the place is usually empty, the help is, shall I say, not stellar, and the food is just average. If anything Shaker will bring in a store/restaurant/shop that will outperform Cosi. He has already done so with Potbelly. Hope it is a buffalo wild wings!!!

Orville

Posted: November 15th, 2010 7:48 AM

We really need more popcorn stores; that would be a good use for this location. This is a victory for VOP in that at least we didn't lose this tenant to Forest Park.

James

Posted: November 15th, 2010 7:21 AM

Yeah Ok. A low income housing and dollar store? I hope you are kidding. We need to input another brand name store.

Lower the bar

Posted: November 14th, 2010 9:41 PM

Maybe Shaker can get enough variances from the Village to turn the Cosi space into 51 low income apartments? Good access to public transportation and walking distance to the heart of Oak Park. And there's a proven need, you know.

Jojo

Posted: November 14th, 2010 11:32 AM

I really think one of those discount cigarette places would be ideal. Would bring a lot of people to the community and we could tax the snot of them!

Wayne

Posted: November 13th, 2010 6:48 AM

Perhaps an SRO?

B from Oak Park

Posted: November 12th, 2010 11:24 PM

Not surprising - their food was overpriced and nothing special. Let's hope a more innovative eatery takes its place.

john murtagh from Oak Park

Posted: November 12th, 2010 10:42 PM

Its a great spot for a Dollar Store.

Marsha Borders from Oak Park

Posted: November 12th, 2010 9:34 PM

I suspect that the chain has not performed as well in Oak Park as in other areas based on returns after taxes and overhead. I am sorry to see them go whatever the case maybe.

FParker from Forest Park

Posted: November 12th, 2010 5:40 PM

That is a shame. I like Cosi very much and it always seems fairly busy. Is it something Shaker did?

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